Towing code
17
Owners handbook 2022
Measurement of
nose weight:
Nose weight may be measured using
a proprietary brand of nose weight
indicator. Such equipment is obtainable
from your caravan dealer.
All proprietary measuring devices will
have tolerances and therefore give
diering readings.
Another simple method is to use
bathroom scales under the coupling
head with a piece of wood between the
coupling head and the scales, of such
length that the caravan floor is horizontal
with the jockey wheel raised.
Nose weight can be adjusted simply by
distribution of weights in the caravan.
(See Loading)
Insurance
Compulsory third party insurance cover
is required by the Road Traic Act for a
caravan and this is normally provided by
the towing car insurance policy, but it is
essential that you ensure your car policy
is not invalidated by towing.
Do not forget to take out separate
insurance cover on the caravan
and contents.
Loading and distribution
of weight
Under no circumstances should the
MTPLM of this caravan be exceeded.
When the towing vehicle and caravan
are fully laden and “ready to go” the
towing vehicle should be level as
reasonable practice. If the nose of the
caravan is high at the start of your
journey you may experience snaking and
on rough and uneven ground the rear of
the caravan could catch the road.
Caravans should be loaded so that
the nose weight of the caravan is
in accordance with the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendation. Also
under no circumstances should it exceed
the maximum hitch weight shown in the
specification for the caravan.
Heavy items should be stowed as close
to the axle as possible and lightweight
items, such as bedding, should be loaded
Warning
The law requires that caravans &
their towing vehicles & the loads they
carry must be in such a condition
that no danger or nuisance is caused.
(Regulation 100 of the Road and
Vehicles (Construction and Use)
Regulations 1986).
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